Korean wine is primarily known as Makgeolli (막걸리), a cloudy, milky, lightly sparkling rice wine often called "rice beer," but other traditional fruit or grain-based wines exist, like those made from persimmons (Gawain) or ginseng (Insamju), though Soju (a distilled spirit) is Korea's most famous alcoholic drink.
Makgeolli (Korean: 막걸리; pronounced [mak. k͈ʌɭɭi]; lit. 'raw rice wine'), sometimes anglicized to makkoli (/ˈmækəli/, MAK-ə-lee), is a Korean alcoholic drink. It is a milky, off-white, and lightly sparkling rice wine that has a slight viscosity, and tastes slightly sweet, tangy, bitter, and astringent.
Soju is a distilled spirit from Korea with a neutral, slightly sweet taste, often enjoyed straight or in a cocktail. While sake is a brewed rice wine from Japan with a lower alcohol content and a sweeter, more fermented taste, often served warm or chilled.
As a low proof drink of six to nine percent alcohol by volume, it is often considered a “communal beverage” rather than hard liquor. Makgeolli is made from rice using nuruk, a Korean fermentation starter.
Soju. Soju is likely the most famous alcoholic beverage produced in Korea, strongly associated with drinking culture on the peninsula. Technically similar to vodka (and the Japanese beverage, shochu), soju is clear; it is distilled from various starches including wheat, glutinous rice, barley, or sweet potato.
Soju, often called Korea's national spirit, is a clear distilled liquor typically made from rice, barley, or sweet potatoes. It has a smooth, neutral profile, making it the perfect base for sipping or blending into cocktails.
South Korea's 52-hour work rule caps most employees' weekly working hours at 52, consisting of 40 standard hours plus 12 allowed overtime hours, aiming to reduce overwork, improve work-life balance, and boost productivity by ending excessively long workweeks previously common in the country. Implemented in phases for different company sizes, this law applies to a seven-day week, including weekends, and was a major revision to the Labor Standards Act, phasing in from 2018 to 2021 for most businesses.
The Korean diet is rich in fish, tofu, eggs and legumes. By eating little red meat, they take in lighter protein sources and less fat and calories. Lean protein promotes satiety, supports metabolism and the maintenance of muscle mass.
Russia and Australia have the highest prevalence of alcohol dependence overall, with 2.61 per cent and 2.58 per cent, respectively. According to the WHO, US has the lowest rate of alcohol dependence with only 1.92 per cent.
Yes, soju can definitely make you drunk, often quickly, because it's an alcoholic beverage with an ABV (Alcohol By Volume) that typically ranges from 16% to 25%, similar to or stronger than wine, and it's often consumed in large quantities. Its mild, slightly sweet taste can be deceptive, making it easy to drink a lot without realizing how much alcohol you've consumed, leading to intoxication.
The "3-2-1" (or often "1-2-3") drinking rule is a guideline for moderate alcohol consumption: 1 drink per hour, no more than 2 drinks per occasion, and at least 3 alcohol-free days per week, helping to pace intake and reduce risks. It aligns with official health advice, emphasizing that the body processes only about one standard drink (e.g., 12oz beer, 5oz wine) per hour, and provides a framework for mindful drinking to avoid binge patterns and health issues, though it's a simplification of broader guidelines.
A standard soju bottle typically contains 375 milliliters of this beloved Korean spirit. When it comes to pouring shots, the usual serving size is about 50 milliliters per shot. This means you can expect around seven or eight shots from a single bottle, depending on how generous your pour is.
There is a ceremonial aspect to Soju drinking - you do not pour your own glass, you should always receive a drink with two hands to indicate respect, and you almost always take your drink as a group. Rules of politeness will see glasses being filled again and again - no one would want your glass to go empty.
The 20-minute wine rule is a simple guideline to bring wines to their optimal serving temperature: put red wines in the fridge for about 20 minutes to cool slightly (as room temp is too warm), and take white wines out of the fridge for about 20 minutes to let them warm up a bit (as too cold masks flavors). This helps unlock the full aromas and flavors, as serving wines too hot or too cold mutes their complexity.
However, Korean alcoholic beverages are increasingly becoming popular among food and wine connoisseurs. There are ample varieties of Korean wines that have medicinal values and are made with a range of fruits, flowers and medicinal herbs, which ensures that there is something for everyone.
Soju is often called Korean vodka since it's smooth, mild, and mostly neutral, but it clocks in at about half the alcohol content. "It has more texture and nuance, which makes it great for stirred drinks — but it's so underutilized this way," explains Abowd.
Whites and Native Americans have a greater risk for alcohol use disorders relative to other ethnic groups. However, once alcohol dependence occurs, Blacks and Hispanics experience higher rates than Whites of recurrent or persistent dependence.
Water. Water is the world's most consumed drink, however, 97% of water on Earth is non-drinkable salt water.
Men in Romania are, by and large, the heaviest drinkers on the planet. The average Romanian male drinks 27.3 liters, roughly seven and a half gallons, per year. It's not just the men in Romania that boast such high numbers.
The "3 date rule" in Korean dating refers to the common practice of establishing an official couple status (boyfriend/girlfriend) by the third date, moving from casual "talking" (sseom) to a defined relationship quickly, a faster pace than typical Western dating, allowing for deeper getting-to-know-you stages after becoming official, though it's becoming less strict with younger generations. It's about rapid commitment assessment, with the first few dates gauging chemistry before locking things down.
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.
4B movement, South Korean feminist activist movement and political stance defined by four deliberate refusals: bihon (“no marriage”), bichulsan (“no childbirth”), biyonae (“no dating”), bisekseu (“no sex [with men]”).
Sealy Bed Surveys 20,000 People Around the World The average Korean sleep time is only 4-6 hours. 95% said, "I don't feel refreshed in the morning". According to a survey, the average sleeping time of Koreans is only 4-6 hours, which falls short of the global level.
South Korean law prohibits political activities by foreigners. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.